Raiders-Dolphins Delayed by Lightining

September 30, 2007 – The start of today’s game has been delayed due to lightning.

Erring on the side of caution, the Dolphins have elected to make All-Pro middle linebacker Zach Thomas inactive for today’s game against the Oakland Raiders in order to give him more time to recover from his concussion. Derrick Pope is starting in his place, with Channing Crowder occupying the middle.

Donovin Darius is making his first start for the Dolphins at free safety for Travis Daniels as the secondary continues to get made over.

For the Raiders, Daunte Culpepper starts at quarterback for Josh McCown, who is inactive with a foot injury. Joining McCown on the inactive list are cornerback John Bowie, fullback Oren O’Neal, linebacker Isaih Ekejiuba, linebacker Robert Thomas, defensive end Derrick Burgess, offensive tackle Mario Henderson and rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who is the emergency third quarterback.

As for other lineup changes, Jay Richardson starts at defensive end for Burgess and Gerard Warren and Warren Sapp start at both defensive tackle spots. Stanford Routt starts at one cornerback spot and Nnamdi Asomugha will be at the other.